• Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person (vaginal, anal, oral)
  
• Mother-to-child (trans-placental infection)
• ​Blood transfusion with contaminated blood products (all blood donations are screened in Singapore)
• Contaminated needle stick injury and sharing intravenous needles with an infected person
  

​​Signs and symptoms of syphilis vary according to the stage of infection. Many people do not have symptoms; this is called “latent” syphilis.

• Syphilis is diagnosed with blood tests, usually at least 2 different types.
• Fluids from ulcers / sores may also be tested.

​​​If you have been diagnosed with syphilis, you should be tested for other STIs, especially HIV.​

• Penicillin injection
  
• Alternative antibiotics are available for patients who are allergic to penicillin
• In primary, secondary and latent syphilis, adequate treatment will result in complete cure
  
• In tertiary and congenital syphilis treatment can stop the progress of the disease but may not be able to restore full function or reverse ​​permanent damage
  

​MSM should have an STI / HIV check-up at least once a year. Using condoms reduces the risk of catching syphilis but does not give 100% protection since the condom may not cover the infectious areas. Regular testing is important, even if you always practice safer sex.

Syphilis is not infectious once it is treated adequately.

However, you must have regular follow-up blood tests for up to 2 years to confirm that the infection has been cured.

​Even after cure, syphilis blood tests remain positive for life. This is called a “serological scar”. This is why it is always important to tell your future doctor you have had syphilis and been treated in the past.

• Being HIV positive increases your chances of being infected with syphilis.
• ​Your syphilis infection may be more difficult to diagnose and treat, and the symptoms may be different.
• The complications of syphilis, particularly neurosyphilis (syphilis of the brain and nerves), can appear much earlier.
• Occasionally, treatment for syphilis may fail and another course of antibiotics and further tests are necessary.
• Syphilis can speed up progression of HIV by weakening your immune system and increasing your viral load. Higher viral load and having a chancre in early syphilis increases the risk of you passing HIV to someone else.
• Follow-up blood tests are even more important if you have HIV to ensure treatment has worked.
• Be aware of the risks of syphilis, use condoms, abstain from sex and get tested and treated quickly to avoid complications.

Practice safer sex​

• Sex without exchange of body fluids (vaginal secretions or semen).
• Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex.
• Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or using recreational drugs before or during sex, as this may impair your judgment.